Please talk to me about being a Specials Police Constable

[SweetAndCrispy]

I have always wanted to join the police but for one reason or another it has never happened and recently I’ve been a SAHM. I am now in a position where I could join as a Specials volunteer. I am planning to go to an information event soon but was wondering if anybody on MN works as a Special. I would like to know what the work pattern is- the website says 16hrs/month. Am I able to say that I can only volunteer on a Monday between 10am-2pm, for example, or is it shift led? I can’t do nights due to childcare, is that an issue? How are you treated by paid police? Do many Specials go on to join as paid police? Any information would be gratefully received!

Anyone?

I did it for a while when I was in my early 40's.

Have to admit it was not my cup of tea and I only stayed about 18-months.
Essentially it was bringing me into contact with exactly the type of people I would not otherwise want to meet, I thought I could remain detached but couldn't.

Glad I tried it though.

To answer some of your specific questions (based on my experience of nearly 20yrs ago).

Yes, plenty of regular officers started as a SC as it is seen as a way of "testing the water" but also, recruitment into the FT role was competitive so having experience was seen as an advantage.
We deployed as a shift of SC (not much integration with the regulars) but when I expressed my dislike of the late shifts (Fri & Sat nights) I was offered a transfer to the community team which I believe would have been more mixed.
The initial training will involve multiple residential weekends at the regional training college so unless you live nearby, can you do this?
The residential training (spread out across 4-5 months) was only the start and after passing out it was expected you do weekday training evenings with your shift.
You would not be deployed on your own for a couple of years (depending on your attendance & experience) so would always be working with an experienced SC.
There is a very good on-line community for SC where you can chat, share views, check on training etc with SC across the whole country.

@Nourishinghandcream thank you so much for replying. The residential bit isn’t a problem as I have family who live near the regional training centre. I guess it’s the hours that concern me as I can’t do evenings although I could probably do an occasional weekend. Perhaps it’s still not quite the right fit for me. You’ve given me some food for thought though, thank you.

I know someone who does this. Not sure if they get to pick when they do the 16 hours. The training is quite rigorous and there's an awful lot of information to absorb. You also have to complete 2 days training and a fitness test every year. Having said all that, I know that they find it very rewarding.

did it for 8 years very varied and met some very interesting people , unless you are part time you will need to do night shifts and overall it was a great experience
I could rock up and clock off when I wanted but that was 15 years ago

training was every Saturday for 6 months and you could not miss any I missed one day for a wedding but had to go on Sunday instead

mandatory first aid training is one whole day every 6 months

i Expected racism , sexism , homophobia but in 8 years never hear a single word that wasn’t 100% professional

left because I could not fit it in with young family- they were strict on the 16 hours

i had to reach level 5 on beep test which is on you tube and do pulling pushing strength test